Note: This is the export only version, which nowadays is the only one available at 6.0% (possibly lower on draught). Originally it was sold as Dry Blackthorn. Until 2009 it was 6.0% in can/bottle and 5.0% on draught. In the UK was then "reformulated" with a sweeter taste at a reduced abv of 4.7%. At some point prior to this the word "Dry" had been dropped from the name and renamed simply Blackthorn. Following a storm of protest in the area where it is made Dry Blackthorn was reinstated in it’s original form at 5.0% in 2010 but only available in the English West Country.
If you found this in North America it’s more than likely this one (but pay careful attention to the abv). If you found it in the UK it’s one of the others. The version available in other export markets is believed to be based on the 4.7% UK variant. Again, check ABV.

This is a relatively simple dry cider that pairs well with food. It’s light bodied, highly effervescent and has pleasant natural flavor with a hint of bitterness/stringency that comes (as another reviewer mentioned) from using the entire apple, rather than just the juice, as most American producers do. While it lacks the funky complexity of the high end artisanal products, it’s very refreshing and great for casual drinking.

4 oz pour on draft at Spacebar. Listed as Dry but the ABV matches up with this one at 6%. Clear golden orange. Aromas of sweet apples, sugar. Tastes of sweet sugary apples. Medium-light body with a dry finish.

This cider is being unjustly under-rated in these reviews .The distinctive flavor of this cider is entirely in line with the claim that it is made (as is written on the can) from English Cider apples, which have a flavor considered too bitter to be apples for eating. The "minerality", "rotten", or ’’sulfur" flavor are in fact likely because the cider has been be made using the entire apple, skin, core and all. If you have ever bitten too close to an apple core you could recognize the distinctive taste of tanin from the apple seeds in this cider .
This authentic cider flavor, while being an acquired taste, is superior to the sweeter flavor of cider made from apple juice, which is very common in America. I suspect that other brands are at least removing cores and skins, resulting in a tamer flavor.

I was a total fan of Strongbow cider before the reformulation destroyed this once fine cider. Found Blackthrorn by accident and was more than pleasantly surprised. I believe it might be a better cider than the former incarnation of Strongbow. I believe the aroma and taste is more balanced with a nice dry finish. Not sweet like so many of the lesser cider. Not sure I understand the jump to sweetness. The clean finish and crispness of this cider is so refreshing. excellent on the pallet without being overwhelming. yes, this is my new favorite cider without question.

This is an excellent dry cider. The alcohol content is a bit high at 6% but has a really great flavor. You cannot fault the aroma or appearance. It tastes of apples but not as if it was doped with apple extract. For those of you looking to find an alternative to Bulmers Strongbow, now way too sweet for me, this is even better.

Sampled from a 500 ml can this beer poured a dark golden color with a small soapy white head that faded quickly and left no lacing. The aroma was sweet apple juice, a hint of green apple and pear. The flavor was dryish and tart with notes of apple peel and sulfur. Medium length finish. Light to medium body. Disappointing.

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